IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has identified 1,249 communities across 176 LGAs in 33 states and the FCT, including Lagos, Rivers, and Abuja, as high flood-risk zones in its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook.

The report, presented in Abuja by Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, also flagged 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs for moderate flood risk. Flood-prone cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Ibadan are expected to experience urban and flash floods due to poor drainage systems.

Flood threats in coastal states, including Bayelsa, Cross River, and Delta, are expected to worsen due to rising sea levels. The Federal Government plans to roll out a National Flood Insurance Programme and Integrated Climate Resilience Project, with pilots in Kogi and Jigawa states.

NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed emphasized the need for proactive measures, saying the 2025 forecast targets specific communities to help protect lives and infrastructure. 

Michael Alagba, a 13-year-old double amputee, is set to participate in a 2km walk on April 12 as part of The IREDE Foundation’s Out on a Limb campaign, aimed at challenging stereotypes around disability.

Born with a congenital condition, Michael has defied the odds, learning to write, sing, and live independently. “I dream of becoming a teacher,” he says, pushing back against societal expectations.

Now in its ninth year, the campaign advocates for visibility, inclusion, and access for children living with limb loss. The IREDE Foundation also plans to provide prosthetic limbs to 200 children in 2025. 

The driver and conductor of a BRT bus have fled for their lives, abandoning passengers to their fate as a BRT bus caught fire at Maryland, Lagos State, on Saturday morning.

Our correspondent, who was at the scene of the incident, said the bus was coming from Ikorodu, heading to CMS, when the sad incident occurred. As of the time of filing this report, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), fire service and the neighbourhood security outfit were already on ground to contain the fire.

One of the passengers on the bus said the fire started as smoke from the driver’s side. According to her, the passengers initially thought the smoke emanated from other buses, however, the small smoke soon worsened, immediately sending them all into panic mode.

“As soon as we saw that the smoke grew bigger, we immediately rushed off the bus before the fire ignited”, she said, adding that none of the passengers sustained any injury. She added that the driver fled the scene immediately after the fire started. “The driver and the conductor ran away. They didn’t even wait to see what would happen to us.

“Definitely, they knew what happened. They knew the bus was bad before putting it on the road and risking our lives,” she alleged. 

Pope Francis will miss the Angelus prayer on Sunday for the second straight week as the 88-year-old is treated in hospital for pneumonia, the Vatican said.

The text will only be published, not read out, as it was last weekend, the Vatican press office said Saturday. Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, but it turned into pneumonia in both lungs, causing widespread alarm.

The pontiff’s doctors had told a press conference on Friday there was no imminent risk to his life but that he was “not out of danger”. The Vatican’s early morning update Saturday said simply: “Pope Francis rested well.” 

The Netherlands said Wednesday it was returning more than 100 “Benin Bronzes” to Nigeria that British troops looted in the late 19th century and ended up in a Dutch museum. The European country stated this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the move followed a request by the Nigerian government.

The 113 pieces are the biggest haul returned to Nigeria from the 1897 raid, said Olugbile Holloway, Director General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments. “At the request of Nigeria, the Netherlands is returning 113 ‘Benin Bronzes’ from the National Collection. Minister Eppo Bruins (OCW) has decided to return them,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the transfer agreement will be signed on Wednesday by the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Eppo Bruins, and the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway. “With this return, we are contributing to the redress of a historical injustice that is still felt today,” said Dutch Culture, Education, and Science Minister Eppo Bruins.

The Netherlands’ return of these artefacts follows similar ones by other countries, such as Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom. British soldiers stole the ancient sculptures, including depictions of royal figures and animals, in 1897 from the Kingdom of Benin in modern-day Nigeria. However, the British Museum in London has refused to return any of its famed collection. A law passed in 1963 technically prevents the museum from giving back the treasures.

The treasures were then sold and had been displayed at the Wereldmuseum (World Museum) in Leiden. 

By Alexandra L. Ihugba

One of the leading NGOs in human capital development known as Ohams Global Initiative has once again offered a provisional scholarship to another twenty two vulnerable Imo youths who just gained admission or about to quit the citadels of learning as a result of financial constraints.

Unveiling this gladdening news, the Director General of OGI, Comrade Chiemezie G. Ozurumba (ARIRI-ERIMBA)  congratulated the beneficiaries as he charged them to make judicious use of this golden opportunity provided by this humanitarian Colossus, High-Chief Chuba Ohams (ONWA-OYOKO). He prayed God to continue to bless and take good care of him as he provides socour for the downtrodden.

About the NGO, Comr. Ozurumba enumerated some giant strides achieved by the Initiative in barely two years of her inception which did not exclude; giving scholarship to over seventy (70) Imo youths in different tertiary institutions of their choices, giving skill acquisition/financial empowerment to over fifty vulnerable youths, hospital visitations, Operation Feed the Streets, community visitation & social enlightenment, to mention but few.

The Chairman of the scholarship program and the Director For Skill Acquisition Mr. Bede Mbah & Comr. Obinwa Augusta in their respective speeches, called on all well meaning Nigerians to emulate the humanitarian lifestyle of High-Chief Chuba Ohams  instead of engaging our dearly beloved youths in political thuggery and other frivolous programs that will only benefit their political class or immediate families.

The Founder/General Overseer of His Royal Highness Church of God Int'l Baltimore Maryland USA, Rev. Dr. Justin Aguguo has admonished Christian brethens on need to maintain peace and harmony amongst one another.

The cleric who spoke through the Director of Media and Publicity of the Church, Evang. Kelechi Uzomah added that Christians all over the world must live in peace and harmony with one another in order to have a wonderful and peaceful co-existence.

Rev. Aguguo enjoined christian brethens that the birth of Jesus Christ, the saviour of the world is enough to touch the heart of christians to maintain peace amongst one another.

The man of God said that the birth of Jesus Christ is as a result of the love God has for mankind and that is why Jesus Christ is borne to save the world.

The General Overseer of His Royal Highness Church of God Int'l Baltimore, Maryland USA, added that Christians all the world must make peace with one another, pointing out that Jesus Christ is a man of peace.

He added that Christian brethens should begin to practice the pure love of God to man, saying that love is the greatest gift we owe one another.

Dr. Aguguo used the opportunity to invite all to the annual crusade thanksgiving, medical mission and new year programmes on 31st and1st January 2023 at the Church Headquarters in Eziama autonomous community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

The cleric condemned in it totality the incessant killings in Nigeria especially the southeast geopolitical zone of the country.

He called on Governments at all levels to find a way to end insurgency in the country, saying that government owe a duty to protect lives and properties of it's citizens.

The Founder/General Overseer of His Royal Highness Church of God Int'l Baltimore Maryland USA urged to government to find a lasting solutions to the problem of insecurity in the country.

He also used this medium to passionately appeal to all and sundry to give peace a chance in order to end the killings of the innocent Nigerians.

Princes William and Harry and their wives put on a rare united front Saturday to view tributes to Queen Elizabeth II, threatening to upstage their father Charles on the day he was officially proclaimed king. The impromptu walkabout by William and Kate with Harry and Meghan, their first joint public appearance since March 2020, came as royal officials unveiled plans for the run-up to the queen’s state funeral on September 19.

William, who has taken the title of Prince of Wales now his father is king Charles III, earlier broke his silence with an emotional tribute to his grandmother. “I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real,” said the 40-year-old, the eldest of Charles’ two sons with the late princess Diana. But it was his relationship with his brother Harry, who quit royal life in early 2020 and moved to the United States with his American wife, that looked set to dominate Sunday’s headlines.

The two couples, once dubbed “the fab four”, emerged from Windsor Castle together to inspect flowers and tributes left for the queen, who died on Thursday aged 96 after a record-breaking 70-year reign. They then went to talk to well-wishers on separate sides of the street. In his first speech as king on Friday, Charles had spoken of his love for his son Harry and daughter-in-law, in what was widely seen as an olive branch.

Yesterday, 8th July 2022 saw the inauguration of the Imo Youth Parliament (Second Assembly) at the Imo Youth Centre Owerri that led to the emergence of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ekewuba Eze (Member Representing Oguta LGA Youths) and the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Akuchie Stephen (Member Representing Mbaitoli LGA Youths). 

The Imo Youth Parliament, a structure under the aegis of the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP) is a Legislative and Developmental Training Institution, created to strengthen, reinforce and consolidate efforts in empowering Young People through meaningful Youth representation in driving Nigeria’s developmental agenda.

The Youth Parliament sits and deliberates on matters of national importance as it affects youth development and is mirrored after the Nigerian Senate with functions, roles, responsibilities and businesses carried out in like manner as the Nigerian House of Representatives. 

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Youth Affairs, Hon. Eric Uwakwe charged the Parliamentarians to represent their constituents in good faith, maintaining integrity and make laws for the best interest of the people. 

The Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Okey Anusiem took time out to school the Parliamentarians on how best to navigate the waters of leadership and effective representation. 

The Clerk of the Imo State House of Assembly ably represented by the Head of Legislative Department, IMHA, Mr also educated the newly inaugurated Parliamentarians on the rudiments of legislation and proceedings of the Hallow Chamber.

The event was graced by dignitaries involved in governance, social work and lots more.

The Federal Government has declared Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th July, 2022, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government on Thursday, congratulated all Muslims and Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion.

“I call on Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country, considering the challenges of insecurity we face at the moment” Aregbesola stated in a communique.

The Minister assured Nigerians that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is “committed to the security of lives and properties of all Nigerians, empowering the citizens for successful living, the provisions of social investments programmes and adequate security in the schools”.

Aregbesola, while wishing Muslims a happy Eid-el Kabir celebration, urged Nigerians to take responsibility by reporting any suspicious individuals and criminal activities they observed around them to law enforcement agencies with the use of N-Alerts application that has been designed to mitigate security challenges with prompt response from security agencies: as soon as you “See Something Do N-Alerts”, most especially during this festival.

He also enjoined all Nigerians to be vigilant and observant of intruders in their communities. “We must all take responsibility for the security of lives and property as we celebrate this year’s festival,” he admonished. 

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola of the Supreme Court on Monday took the judicial oath of office as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). President Muhammadu Buhari administered the oath of office to Justice Ariwoola during a swearing-in ceremony held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Ariwoola, 62, takes over from the outgone CJN, justice Tanko Muhammad, is expected to serve in an acting capacity till further confirmation by the National Judicial Council (NJC). While taking the judicial oath, he swore to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Government of Nigeria, as well as defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Justice Muhammad had resigned as the Chief Justice of Nigeria on Sunday night, citing ill-health as the reason for his decision. This led to the inauguration of Justice Ariwoola – the next most senior justice of the Supreme Court at the time of Justice Muhammad’s resignation.

Until his resignation, according to reports, the immediate past CJN was seriously ill.

— Calls On Imo Fathers' Continuous Support To The 3R Government 

The Deputy Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu has felicitated with fathers in Imo State on International Father's day, sending heartwarming greetings to all the responsible fathers all over the world.

In his goodwill message, the number 4 Imo State citizen said 'fathers are men who dared to place the world's Hopes on their children' hence deserving to be celebrated not just on special remembrance as this but always. 

Mr. Capacity, as popularly called by admirers and supporters while celebrating the fathers said the roles of fatherhood cannot be overemphasized, stressing that they are the bedrock of the society.

While congratulating the fathers in Imo, he urged them to continue to support the 3R administration of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma to continue delivering the dividends of good governance to the people.

Assuring the father figures in Imo of favorable legislatives frameworks of the state assembly to continue to partner with the leadership of the house to continue to make laws and motions that will uplift the fathers in the state in order to effectively discharge their fatherly duties.

There has been an explosion on Aba Road in the Sabon Gari area of Kano, leaving several people injured with some feared killed.

Details of the blast and its cause are still sketchy but visuals from the scene show that it affected some buildings and left several injured including school children.

The visuals also confirm that the blast might have claimed several lives with at least one corpse seen on the floor. A crowd had gathered right after the blast with some people trying to help the injured and others lamenting the damage.

The United Nations Human Settlement Program (UN Habitat) has announced the appointment of Ugwumba Uche Nwosu President of the Ugwumba Center for Leadership Development in Africa as its Special Youth Envoy. 

This appointment was one of the major decisions taken at the partnership meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya with the Head of the Youth and Livelihoods Department of the world body, Mr. Douglas Ragan, in which Remy Chukwunyere, the Executive Director of the Ugwumba Leadership Center was in attendance.

The letter reads in part: “The UN Habitat Special Youth Envoy is the first of its kind and it is conceptualized to be bestowed on an outstanding personality not older than 55 years, who has supported and contributed immensely to the development and empowerment of young people, especially in the areas of employment; leadership; innovation; etc.

As the UN Habitat Special Youth Envoy, you shall:

a) Deliver a keynote address at the Youth Assembly during the 11th edition of the UN Habitat World Urban Forum in Poland;

b) Encourage youths from across the African continent to attend the Forum in Poland;

c) Be a Special Guest at all UN Habitat’s events, where you would advocate for issues that affect youths, globally...”

The Board and Management of the Ugwumba Leadership Center hereby congratulates our President, for yet another international honour and recognition.

To God be the glory!

#UgwumbaCares #UN #Africa #Nigeria #Youths #Development

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday said it has no intention of extending the timeline for party primaries. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the comment while speaking at a consultative meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja.

Political parties in the country had asked INEC to extend the timelines for the 2023 general elections by two months. Specifically, the parties want slight changes to the primaries’ timeline, as stipulated by the electoral umpire. But Yakubu insisted the timeline for primaries remains fixed between April 4 and June 3.

“Twice in the last two weeks, the Commission had cause to remind political parties of the necessity for strict compliance with the timelines for party primaries,” the INEC Chairman said.